Digestion & Acupuncture
The old saying ‘you are what you eat’ has some truth, yet why is it if we change our dietary habits, take supplements and exercise it quite often is not enough to remedy a digestive disorder that has occurred. Over the counter products are easily available to aid us in some of the immediate acute problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea, but long term issues such as chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis or stomach ulcers are not so easily helped in this way. In fact, a recent study published in October 2014, referred to by the United European Gastroenterology (UEG), shows that digestive disorders affect over one quarter of Europe and our ability to go to work2,3. The question is, can we as acupuncturists help? Yes we can.
The pathophysiology of digestive disorders in Chinese medicine known as ‘yun bua’1 is long written about and more recently studied in several areas by means of clinical trials. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) have specifically reviewed, analysed and reported upon the valuable and comparable support and relief acupuncture provides for common gastroenterological symptoms across many disorders4.
For example, epigastric pain – a common symptom experienced in stomach disorders such as peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis and gastric spasm. Acupuncture provides satisfactory relief, in fact ‘better ’relief than injections using morphine and atropine4. For gastric spasm, acupuncture is comparable to the drug Domperidone4.
Nausea and vomiting which may present in generalised conditions such as morning sickness, postoperative vomiting and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, is relieved by receiving acupuncture specifically at point PC6 by having an ‘antiemetic’ effect. Consistent results across several clinical trials involving over 2000 patients support this completely4. Irritable Colon syndrome / Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic ulcerative colitis shows’ that acupuncture is an alternative therapeutic measure for people to undertake4. The use of acupuncture for relief of pain and discomfort during a colonoscopy process is similar to the pain relieving drug pethidine with the benefit of far less side effects4. The extensive data available showing the positive effects of acupuncture upon the digestive system, including acid secretion, motility, pain, gastric spasm and much more is vast. It also includes and advocates the use of acupuncture in chronic cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) even if there is an acute exacerbation4.
With such a body of evidence available, tried and tested consistent results, we do have a role to play in the management and alleviation of gastroenterological disorders. Read some more of our articles, perhaps for your own specific disorder to see further how acupuncture can help you and your symptoms. To find your local acupuncturist type in the area you live in and a list of registered, qualified and insured acupuncturists will become available to you today.
Digestion
Watching and listening to Carina Claffey (currently practising in Co.Kerry), talk about digestive disorders is an education in itself. She takes this vast complex area and effortlessly explains some of the most common disorders of the digestive system within the framework of Chinese medical thinking. This is no easy task, yet she comfortably achieves a highly informative video for any sufferer of IBS, constipation, diarrhoea, pain and more. She also talks about how serotonin levels affect the gut and how it influences digestion, equally so, how the gut is involved with the production of serotonin. A big factor in mood disorders. This is a must see for those that want a short simple explanation of how acupuncture can work for digestive disorders. As a representative of our practising acupuncturists in Ireland, their knowledge and skill, she demonstrates the benchmark of our standards for all members of the ACI.
Digestion Related Articles
Crohn’s Disease – An Acupuncture Review
In discussing the acupuncture treatment of Crohn’s disease, lets first have a brief review of this illness. Of prime importance- it has to be diagnosed, treated and followed up by tests on a regular basis, by the patient’s medical family doctor and by a consultant specialist hospital doctor.
What good digestive health means for our wellbeing from a TCM point of view
Spring has started and many people focus their attention again on a healthy diet and lifestyle. I see many patients in my clinic at this time of the year with recurrent digestive complaints and bowel problems.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Manageable with Acupuncture and Lifestyle Change
IBS is a very common condition, between 10-20percent of people have IBS symptoms at some time. More than 80% of sufferers are women. IBS is seen as an umbrella or blanket diagnosis for symptoms which can be ill defined or changeable, but it can be described medically as over or underactive contractions of the large intestine, due to excessive parasympathetic stimulation.
Common Gastrointestinal conditions and their treatment with Acupuncture and Dietary Changes
Gastro-intestinal conditions are amongst the most common to be seen in a GPs surgery, and are equally common in Acupuncture clinics. Broadly these conditions might be grouped as 1) Non serious digestive complaints and 2) Chronic gastro-intestinal conditions.